Premier Silver's Phone Call with YP's Hassard Causes Confusion On Small Business Tax

Wednesday, 4 October 2017 11:12

Hassard says Silver phoned Tuesday to say he would not back consultation extension request, a claim refuted by Libs, and NDP

The Opposition Yukon Party tried to set the legislative agenda on day one of the fall sitting Tuesday, by attempting, but failing to get unanimous consent from the Assembly to immediately debate a motion calling on the Assembly to urge the government of Canada to extend the consultation period on the proposed federal small business tax overhaul.

Interim leader Stacey Hassard (Pelly-Nisutlin) wanted Ottawa to hold public hearings in the Yukon. Since Hassard was unsuccessful in getting unanimous consent to debate the motion, he took the first opportunity in Question Period to quiz the government on why it did not want to debate.

The business community held a meeting last Thursday wanting a consultation extension, pressing the Yukon Liberals for their help, but Hassard framed the argument that the government was breaking its promise to the business community by not bringing forward its concerns to Ottawa.

Community Services Minister John Streicker (Mount Lorne Southern Lakes) responded by reading a letter sent by Silver to Ottawa. “We urge you to listen, and account for, the concerns of economists and small business owners who are worried about the impact that some of these changes could have on economic growth and on small businesses.” “While the Yukon is currently enjoying stronger economic growth… Any actions that could have a negative impact, particularly during slow economic times, are cause for concern…” “I am pleased to hear that the Government of Canada is listening to the concerns raised and that you have indicated you are open to making adjustments based on the feedback that you receive. In this light, I would urge you to extend the consultation period to ensure those concerned had a full opportunity to share their views.”

A press release from the Premier, who was in Ottawa Tuesday meeting with Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau stated that Silver raised the extension request during their discussion. Yet Hassard asserted in the Legislature that Silver called him in the noon-hour stating that Silver would abandon support for the motion debate and the request for the extension. “We have some serious confusion here. I had a phone call from the Premier at lunchtime telling me that he had just spoken to Minister Morneau and was not interested in asking for extensions on this consultation, so clearly somebody has their wires crossed here. I guess we would really like to hear some clarification on this issue because we’re here to ask questions for Yukoners and clearly there are some very, very mixed messages coming from this government.”

Economic Development Minister Ranj Pillai (Porter Creek South) countered saying that Hassard was being theatrical and spinning the story. He called the Yukon Party motion debate redundant, as the Liberals were already standing up for the needs of Yukon businesses.

(Dan Jones Whitehorse Oct. 4, 2017)